IPL 2023 is just around the corner, and cricket fans all over the world are eagerly waiting for the tournament to begin. With every year, the tournament gets more and more competitive, and we can expect the same in IPL 2023.
One of the most prestigious awards in the IPL is the Purple Cap, which is given to the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. We have seen some world-class bowlers take home the Purple Cap in the last few years.
In this article, we will take a look at the top 7 expected Purple Cap holders in IPL 2023.
1. Yuzvendra Chahal (Rajasthan Royals)
IPL 2022 was a big year for the Rajasthan Royals. They made it to their second IPL final after 13 years. Unfortunately, they didn’t win the trophy, but Chahal was a stand-out performer. He was the leading wicket-taker and won the purple cap. He showed 27 batsmen the way to the dugout. He was purchased by RR for INR 6.50 crore in the mega auction. He will try to replicate last year’s performance in the IPL 2023 edition.
2. Lockie Ferguson (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Ferguson made his IPL 2020 debut with KKR. His ability to deliver quick, toe-crushing yorkers at the death, and bowl continuously above 150 km/h speed, made him a valuable asset to the team. Kolkata Knight Riders have always shown massive faith in him. Last year, he was purchased by the Gujarat Titans for a whopping sum of INR 10 crores, and he was able to send 12 batters to the dressing room. Ahead of the mini-auction, he was traded back to KKR. In IPL 2023, he will be looking to win the first-ever purple cap for KKR.
3. Harshal Patel (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Harshal Patel had a breakout year in IPL 2021, taking the most wickets in the tournament and winning the purple cap. Patel’s story is one of hard work and dedication paying off. He was repurchased by RCB at the IPL Mega Auction for INR 14 crores. Last year, Patel directed 19 batters to the pavilion. In the IPL 2023 edition, he will again dismiss opponents with his slow cutters and sharp yorkers.
4. Mohammed Shami (Gujarat Titans)
Shami is a crucial player in the T20 format, able to bowl extremely accurately and pick up crucial wickets for his team when needed. In last year’s Mega Auction, he was purchased by Gujarat Titans for a whopping sum of INR 6.25 crore. 20 batsmen were shown the way to the dressing room by him during the 2022 IPL season. Since the last 4 years, Shami has consistently picked up 19-20 wickets, and he will be looking to win the purple cap in the IPL 2023 edition.
5. Kagiso Rabada (Punjab Kings)
Rabada is a bowler who has seen a lot of success in the IPL. In 2020, he won the purple cap for taking the most wickets in the tournament. He was released by Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction and was picked up by Punjab Kings for INR 9.25 crore. Rabada was in great form during the 2022 season, taking 23 wickets. He will look to continue his good form in the 2023 season and win the purple cap once again.
6. Umran Malik (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Malik is a surprise entry on the list of contenders for the purple cap in the IPL. He was retained by SRH in the mega auction for INR 4 crores. Although he has only featured in 17 matches, his speed has kept everyone dancing at the crease. Umran will surely look to grab the purple cap in the 2023 edition of the IPL.
7. Avesh Khan (Lucknow Super Giants)
Avesh Khan was a strong performer in IPL 2021, taking 24 wickets in 16 matches. He was released by Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2022 auction. His fortune changed when he was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 10 crore. Khan will be looking to build on his success from last year when he sent 18 batsmen to the pavilion. He will be looking to compete for the purple cap in the IPL 2023 edition.